Tag: PIctures

I had the fun recently of attending a decorating class focused on home accessories. The designer said,

Your home should tell your story.

That really got me to thinking. I asked myself, “What is my story? It’s the Gospel! That is the whole purpose of my life! How can my home share that by the decor?” Well, it doesn’t necessarily have to have Bible verses plastered everywhere, but beautiful art that shares the Scriptures is indeed one great way to tell the story of my Savior.

I had a space on a wall in my living room that needed a picture and I had searched everywhere looking for the right size and design, all to no avail. Then one day when I was working on a Bible study book I’m doing I noticed these “I Am” cards in the back of the book. They were beautifully done and there were five of them. It was then that the idea popped into my head that I could frame those and make a grouping for that needy living room wall. Not only would the help tell our story, it would be an inexpensive way to fill that space perfectly. So I had the picture part, now for frames…

Instead of going to the store to buy a frame, I went to a stash that I purchased at the Goodwill store last year. There was a stack of frames – all sizes and styles marked down – way down! I got all of them for less than $5 and I had a huge pile!! The one below was .52 and it was perfect for holding three of my five cards.

I didn’t like the dark frame, so I painted it white. Here it is, on its side while the paint dries…

My encouragement to anyone needing a picture or two on their wall is, don’t limit yourself to just purchased art, which can be really expensive. Look for smaller things you can frame, like cards that are themed and would help tell your story. They could be note cards, cards you receive in the mail, postcards, etc.

Then look for frames at yard sales and Goodwill. They may be scratched or the wrong color, but a little paint will cover that!

The John 14:6 sign was purchased several years ago, but I didn’t have it hanging up anywhere. I realized it would be perfect to add to this grouping. I still need one more something to hang on the right side so it will be balanced with the other side of the fireplace. I’ll show you the finished look when that part gets completed.

In the meantime, I hope this inspires you to seek to tell your story, then be creative with how you do it. Decorating can be done frugally with a little creativity!

If someone asked you, what would you say is the story you would want your home to convey?

Whenever I used to have a picture to hang that had two hooks – one on each end, I’d suffer through many nail holes in the wall trying to get it straight. But I have a pretty much fool-proof method now that keeps me sane while hanging this type of picture or ornament on the wall.

Here’s how I do it:

I put a piece of tape – scotch or masking will work fine – all the way across the picture from one hook to the other. I mark the middle of each hook on the tape.

Then I take the tape off and put it on the wall where I want the picture to hang. I get it as straight as my eye can tell, then I pull out the level and put it across the top of the tape and check to see if it’s crooked.

I move the tape up or down, as necessary. Now the piece of tape is straight and the marks where the nails go are clear. I tap the nails into place and hang the picture!

I hung this rack in my entry way this week and love it! It was a clearance find at Hobby Lobby. The regular price was $27.99 – I paid under $10 for it! Woo Hoo! I popped the little Hello sign on top for a little whimsy. That was a $3 Target spot find.

Anyone else have trouble with getting things hung straight? I hope this will keep you from making a dozen holes in your walls!